Importance of proper nutrition in autoimmune diseases

I am Dr. Scarabelli, a nutritional biologist in Milan, today I am talking to you about how a careful diet is essential in the management of autoimmune diseases, as it can influence the functioning of the immune system and the course of the disease. Importance of proper nutrition in autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in the body, and nutrition can have both a positive and negative impact on this process.

Autoimmune diseases (including Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, etc.) recognize among their triggers a genetic predisposition to which many environmental factors also overlap.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the prevalence of autoimmune diseases, probably due in part to pollution and incorrect lifestyles.

Here are some key aspects where nutrition can be important

Immune System Modulation

A Mediterranean diet can help regulate the activity of the immune system, reducing the inflammation that underlies many diseases.

Some foods can have anti-inflammatory effects such as foods with vitamin C and selenium, green vegetables, pumpkin, turmeric, fresh fish even frozen which is rich in Omega 3, legumes and cereals.

Here is a list of some foods useful for the immune system: Green vegetables, Oranges, Mandarins, Clementines, Lemons, Grapefruits, Cedars, Kiwi, Pineapple,  Brazil nuts, Cashews, Sunflower seeds, Mustard, Brown rice , Tuna, Sardines, Salmon, Oily fish, Garlic, Turmeric, Pumpkin, Chickpeas, Beans, Lentils, Buckwheat, Barley, Oats, Yogurt.

 Balance of the gut microbiota

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system. An alteration in the microbiota can contribute to the onset of autoimmune diseases. A diet rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains), Omega 3 fatty acids, a diet containing the right amounts of vitamins A, D, E, a diet containing the right amounts of Selenium, a diet rich in antioxidants can promote a healthy microbiota and improve the immune response.

On the contrary, a diet too rich in animal proteins, too rich in food additives or contaminants, too rich in sodium, poor in vitamin D and zinc is among the factors that favor the onset of autoimmune diseases.

On the basis of these observations, different nutritional approaches have been proposed that are useful in the different types of autoimmune diseases, but, in general, it can be agreed that a Mediterranean diet, carried out in an adherent and constant way over time, can be a factor that helps prevent the onset and recurrence of autoimmune diseases.

Contact

Dott.ssa Maria Luisa Scarabelli

tel. 02 58300458

Cell. 3385317023

Study in Milan

Viale Bligny n. 15 c.a.p. 20136 

 Viale Legioni Romane n. 65/2 c.a.p. 20147